What's new: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK250 BlueTEC joins the GLK-Class lineup for the new model year. It uses a 2.1-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine.

Overview:

The GLK250 BlueTEC is the new turbodiesel variant of Mercedes' compact GLK-Class luxury SUV. On sale since 2010, the GLK initially offered only one engine: a 3.5-liter V6, which boasts 302 horsepower for the new model year. With the GLK250, Mercedes looks to boost fuel economy without heavily sacrificing acceleration.

Under the GLK250 BlueTEC's hood is a 190-hp 2.1-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine. While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hasn't announced fuel economy ratings, we're expecting gas mileage in the low 20s on city streets and in the high 20s on the highway. That would be better than the GLK350, which is rated at 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. As with the GLK350, the GLK250's only available transmission is a 7-speed automatic. Unlike the GLK350, the GLK250 will only come with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive.

Pricing has not yet been announced for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK250 BlueTEC. But we expect the diesel GLK to start around $40,000, which is around $1,000 less than the GLK350 4Matic. Similar acceleration to the GLK350 is also expected thanks to the GLK250's impressive 369 lb-ft of torque.

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